I was 26 years old when I experienced the seasons changing for the first time. Of course, I was told about it in primary school, how spring flowers bloom, summer radiates sunshine, autumn crisps the air, and winter is frosty. I nailed the theory, passed the first-grade exams, and didn’t give it further thought.

For most of my life, I lived in a city in the north of Mexico where the landscapes look the same throughout the year. I knew seasons were changing because of the fruits we would eat. Mangos, litchis, or chiles would be the messengers of the months passing by.

Even when I moved south to study for my bachelor’s degree, the scenery would still look the same. The sun would shine at the same time at dawn and dusk, and the trees were green. I used to get excited about March because it is when the jacarandas, big trees with beautiful purple flowers, bloomed and about November, painted orange with cempasuchil flowers decorating the city streets, as we celebrate the day of the dead.

Winter

In January 2023, I came to London for a few weeks. This was my first time crossing the Atlantic, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I found a cold, grey city with leafless trees. However, it seemed different at night. The festive lights and decorations on Oxford and Regent Streets, Christmas markets, and Winter Wonderland were a joy to experience. Even though the average temperature was 6°C, all the flowers were dead, and the sky became pitch black at 4pm; I fell in love with this place. I had the vacation of a lifetime as my days were filled with captivating theatre, historic architecture at every corner, free entrance to top-notch museums, walks in parks with stunning views, and incredibly diverse gastronomy. There was no doubt that I wanted to spend more time here, so I went back to Mexico and started sending university applications.

Summer

At the University of Westminster, I was fortunate to discover a master’s program aligned with my goals, successfully secured admission, and was awarded the International Part Fee Scholarship. I returned to London in August of the same year and realised that the landscape I remembered was long gone. I rode a bike through the city streets and saw iconic landmarks like the Tower Bridge, the Big Ben, and the Buckingham Palace standing against clear blue skies. The city was alive with vibrant energy and a kaleidoscope of colours. Everyone wants to enjoy the sun, so the parks are packed with groups of friends, families, and dogs; the happy atmosphere becomes contagious. The most delightful surprise for me was experiencing the sun setting at 9 pm; it almost (but not wholly) compensates for the shorter daylight hours throughout the rest of the year. Plus, I found this time of the year perfect for escaping from routine and discovering new places. Day trips to Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon have allowed me to know the UK and its culture more deeply.

Autumn

Today, I am lucky to witness London’s charming transformation to autumn. As temperatures cool down, trees start to change colour. Leaves transition from vibrant greens to earthy tones, including reds, oranges, and yellows. My boyfriend and I made a checklist of every Royal Park and have been visiting them this season. Walking through gardens and admiring the aesthetically appealing change can be very romantic. My favourites so far have been Richmond Park, where we walked many paths while spotting deer roam freely, and Hampstead Heath, where the people diving into ponds infused the landscape with a sense of communal energy. In every park, we’ve discovered a unique blend of natural beauty and human connection, transforming our checklist into cherished memories.

Awaiting the arrival of Spring

Melissa

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